With Arsenal facing more questions than answers on defence, Arsene Wenger and the Gunners would be wise to go all-in on French prospect Kurt Zouma.

According to The Mirror's John Cross, Arsenal are rumoured to have an interest in the 19-year-old defensive target, who is currently serving a 10-match suspension with club team Saint Etienne following a violent tackle last month that resulted in a red card for Zouma and a badly broken leg for his opponent:

...Arsenal counterpart Wenger is also keen on the £12 million-rated centre-half after receiving strong recommendations from his trusted scout Gilles Grimandi.

Wenger is discussing possible January targets with his staff this week and Grimandi is advising the Premier League leaders move for Zouma.

Cross adds that Chelsea are looking to bring Zouma to Stamford Bridge during January's transfer window. Therefore, the Gunners must ramp up their pursuit and make a real run at the France Under-21 star.

Tough Competition

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As already mentioned, Arsenal aren't the only club looking at Zouma this winter. Jose Mourinho and Chelsea are as well and they are among one of the world's most beloved and recognizable squads. Hence, they are more than capable of luring the young talent to England next month.

Therefore, the Gunners would be wise to strike now, while they are five points clear of the Blues and everyone else in the Premier League table.

Wenger can't be content to let the January window come and go and still expect to be the team to beat down the stretch and moving forward. There is still a long way to go and beating out a rival for Zouma would make the signing that much sweeter.

After all, if Zouma ends up with the Blues, he could come back to haunt Arsenal in future league battles.

Defensive Questions

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Arsenal's defence has played extremely well to this point, conceding just 11 goals through 15 Premier League matches. However, the potential departures of Thomas Vermaelen and Bacary Sagna at the season's end could soon leave the Gunners with massive holes at the back.

Which club is more likely to land Zouma?

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Which club is more likely to land Zouma?

Arsenal

82.0%

Chelsea

18.0%

Total votes: 511

Limited playing time has led to rumours regarding Vermaelen's future at Arsenal while Sagna will be on the move if he and the club fail to agree to terms on a new contract.

Therefore, bringing in a young talent with tremendous potential like Zouma would be an ideal insurance policy for the Gunners as they look ahead to the future.

He still has some developing to do and improvements to make in order to become an impact player, but the enormous potential combined with the need certainly warrants the price tag in Arsenal's case.